Let's be honest; the betting market can't fade Minnesota hard enough each night the Wild lace up their skates. However it's not the side we're after tonight rather the total with both Central division teams starting their top option in net. Minnesota has dealt with a rash of injuries up front meaning their path to success is low event hockey. Colorado did get Val Nichuskin back last game which helps firepower but tonight three goals should be enough to get the win. The Wild need to turn this into a rock fight and Colorado should be happy to oblige in a workmanlike Friday performance. Under is our angle in Denver tonight

Is this price a bit steep in Denver? Yes, the Wild looked bad in last night's 6-1 loss in Salt Lake City but it was not the fault of GK Filip Gustavsson, who didn't play (it was Marc-Andre Fleury in goal instead). Gustavsson, who saw work for Sweden in the 4 Nations, has won two of his last three starts, though he was routed by the Avs the last time he saw them on January 9. Minnesota had won three straight before the last two losses vs. Detroit and Utah. Colorado's recent form doesn't suggest it should be laying this price, especially as the AVs lost 3-1 their last matchup vs. the Wild (with Fleury in goal) January 20. Play Wild on Puck Line (+1.5).

Now that Utah is in the NHL, I'd imagine the toughest back-to-back would be there and then Denver or vice versa due to altitude. That's the spot the Wild are in after losing 6-1 in Salt Lake City on Thursday. I honestly don't know if altitude is really a thing or not (I know it exists, but I mean from a sports standpoint) as I've only spent about 48 hours in it so ... but hey everyone says it's something. Minnesota is also still without a few key players due to injury/suspension.